TO:	Honorable Lois W. Kolkhorst, Chair, Senate Committee on Health & Human Services

FROM:	Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board

IN RE:	SB25 by Kolkhorst (Relating to the right of certain residents to designate an essential caregiver for in-person visitation.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

The bill would add Chapter 260B to the Health and Safety Code to allow for a resident of or the guardian or legally authorized representative of a resident of a nursing facility, assisted living facility, intermediate care facility for individuals with an intellectual disability, and other certain residences to designate an essential caregiver that the facility, or residence may not prohibit in-person visitation with. The bill would also amend Chapter 555 of the Health and Safety Code to allow for a resident of or the guardian of a resident of a state supported living center to designate an essential caregiver that the center may not prohibit in-person visitation with. The bill would require the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to develop guidelines to assist the facility, center, or residence in establishing essential caregiver visitation policies and procedures. The bill would require the executive commissioner of HHSC to establish the guidelines as soon as practicable after the effective date of the bill.

It is assumed that any costs associated with the bill could be absorbed using existing resources.

LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 87TH LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION


March 13, 2021